Domestic appliance



Aug. 4, 1953 R. R. cANDoR DOMESTIC APPLIANCE s sheets-sheet 1 Filed Jam 5o, 1948 Aug. 4, 1953 R. R. cANDoR DOMESTIC APPLIANCE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed han. 5o, 1948 "---mlllllj Flcgz R. R. CANDOR DOMESTIC APPLIANCE Aug. 4, A1953 3 Sheets-Sheet Z Filed Jan. 30, 1948 Patented Aug'. 4, 1953 UNITED STAT-Es PAT-ENT,oF-Fics Y i 'noMESi/iinmcr l t Robert R. Candor, Oakwood, Ohio;- assgnor to.

General Motors Corporation,V corporation of Delaware Dayton, Ohio; a

Application January '30, i948, serial No. asco (ci. 68H21) Claims.

This invention relates to domestic appliances, and more particularly to washing machines.

An object of this invention is to prvlde a Washing machine of an improved character in which ilexible sheeting is used to wring the clothes by applied pressure, such as obtained by the application of a vacuum. i

Another object of this invention is to provide a Washing machine of the character having a leiiible sheeting member for the wringing of clothes, in which means are provided for maintaining the sheeting member in proper position While the machine isbeing filled and/or is performing a Washing operation. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the follow ing description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of the present invention is clearly shown.

` In the drawings: i i

`Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional diagram`- matic View of a washing machine embodying' features of my invention; .i Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modication; y Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing a further modication; and

Fig. 4. is a view similar to Figs. 2 and 3, but showing another modification. A washing machine, embod-ying'features of my' invention, may include a substantially solid tub I0 having an opening Il for introduction of articlesto be washed, such as clothes or the like. A flexible sheeting bag l2, of rubber or' the like, is provided in said tub l0. This bag may have an opening i3v adjacent the opening Il.- l Cover means I4v may be provided for said openings H and I3, and may take the form of a convexed dislr I4, which is adapted to rest on the flange of open#- ing i3. A pin l5 is placed in the opening I6 and is provided with a handle l1 and a cotter pin I8. The handle l1 may be used 'for the double purpose for lifting the cover I4 or for breaking the vacuum created within the bag l2 as here inafter described.

Agitating means are provided for the articles to be Washed. This may take the form ci an oscillatable agitator of conventional form. It may be provided with radial vanes 2l,- base 22, and an upstanding cylindrical extension 23.l The base 22 and extension 23 may be perforated at 24 to allow the flow of water from or down to the opening 25, as hereinafter described. The agitator 2G is oscillated about a horizontal axis by a transmission 26 of any well known construe tion, which is caused to operate by the rotation of the pulleyT 21. A solenoid controller` 26a is provided, which causes the agitator 20 to oscillate or remain idle, depending on the energization or deenergization of solenoid 26a. f

The bag I2 is provided with another opening 28 at'the bottom. The rim of this" opening is 'upward' air pressure or'dwnward Water prese sure;r to prevent any'substaritial flow of either air or v'vatei""along said shaft 32i l Means are provided selectively to apply a vac uum to the space 33, between said sheeting i2 and tub I0 and to the space 34; withinsaic sheeting bag I2. This may take the forlnwof connecting means or pipes 35. 36 and 31,-which lead to the vacuum piiip 38, which discharges through the 'pipe 39;'trap 40 and discharge pipe 4i. The vacuum 'pump 3s is provided with a pulley 42.' The pulleys 21 and 42 are connected by belts 43v 'and 44 with pulleys' 45 on the motor Valve means are provided for controlling the application of vacuum to the spaces 33 and 34. Thus a solenoid valve `41 is placed in pipe 35, 'and a solenoid valve 48 is placed in the branch 49 leading from the pipe 38.- The Solenoid valve 41 is also provided with a pipe 50 which may be oonnectedtov the pipe 35,- o'ri the tub side' of the valve 41,-'whe1'1 it is desiredtc break the vacuum in space 33. The pipe' 50 is epen to the atmosfphere, and thevalve 41 is a twoe'w'ay valve capa:- ble or connecting the pipe 35 .either with-'the pipe 5U Vor the portion" 35a which leads to the branch- 3`1. By this construction the valves 41 and 48 control the selective, application of a vacuum to thev spaces". 33 and 34. In addition, the pipe 50`is connected to 35 and space 33 to break the vacuum; space 33 at the saine time a vacuum is applied .to thespace 34,

Water supply connecting means' connectible to asource` of water supply is provided,- for vthe purpose of supplying Water to the space 34. :This maytake the forinof va pipe 5l, which is connected to the pipe 36 at one end. and to a therifrxostatic' solenoidv valve 52 at :the other end:v The valve' 52 is' connectible tc ahot water supply pipe 53 and a cold Water supplypipe 54. A solenoid structure 55' opens the valve 52 to supply either hot Water alerie or a thermostatically `controlled mixture of vlltand col-d Water or Coldwater alone from the pipes 53 and .54,110 the pipe 5|-, The construction valve52gand55 is Iwell known andis thereforev not further described..4

A timer 56 is provided foi-'controlling the pp eration ofv the motor 46, transmission control 2651!, agitator 2'0, pump 38 and valves 41.,v 443 and 52. The timer Eli-maybe connectedto a lsoulz'ce of electrical-,supply 51,- and is connected by lines Withina cable 58 withgthe motor, controller and valvesras'in'c icated.v The vtimer linay be provided with a synchronous motor which rotates and opens-and closes- *properl contacts to send electrical energy to the controlled devices in the proper sequences. The construction of the timer 56 is well known and is therefore not further described.

Means are provided for preventing the breaking of the vacuum in the pump 38. To this end, a pipe 59 leads from the bottom of trap 40 to the pipe 31. This pipe is of very small bore, and allows but a small amount of liquid to flow through it, compared to the total capacity of pump 38. A screen SII-'is provided in the trap 40. The trap 40 maintains a constant supply of liquid below the level of pipes 39 and 4|, and this liquid is recirculated through the pipes 38 and 59, and thus keeps the pump primed whenever there is no liquid coming from the pipe 36.

The tub I8 is provided with bulges 6U to allow the ilow of air to the pipe 35 at its connection GI with the tub I0.

A water level switch is provided. This includes a hinged lever B3, between the tub I and bag I2, which actuates a switch within timer 56. The switch controls solenoid structure 55, in

'series with the timer-controlled switches. When the lever 63 is pressed outwardly by the rise in water level in bag I2, the ow of water through valve 52 stops.

In the operation of the structure shown in Fig. 1, the cover I4 is removed, and clothes and detergent are placed in the space 34 and the cover I4 is then placed overthe opening I3. The timer 56 is then actuated bythe handle B2 to start its operation. It then 'sequentially sends the proper electrical current through the cable 58. First it sends current to the motor 46, valve 41 and to the solenoid 55 to cause a vacuum to be created within space 33, and to cause hot Water to be introduced by the pipe 53 past the valve 52, through pipes 5I and 38 into the space 34. Water continues to ow into the space 34 until the level of the water reaches the level of timer 56. The outward pressure of water on the bag I2 causes the bag to deilect the lever B3 outwardly. This lever opens the` said switch within the timer 56, which opens the lines to the solenoid 55, thus stopping the introduction of Water into the space 34. Thereafter the timer 56 opens the solenoid timer switches and disconnects the lines to solenoid 55, and connects the lines to transmission controller 28a, to cause oscillation oi agitator 2D.' During the time that the clothes and water were being introduced into the space 34. the motor 45 was rotated to cause operation ofthe pump 38, and to maintain the valve 41 open, while the valve 48 was closed in such a manner as to cause the pump 38 to impart a vacuum to the space 33. bag I2 distended against the tub I0 and maintained the space 34 fully opened. However, at the end ofthe agitation period, the timer 56 actuates the valve 41 to connect the space 33 with the pipe 58, actuates the valve 48 to open it, and deenergizes the controller 26a. This connects the pump 38 with the space 34, stops the agitator 20, and breaks the vacuum in space 33. The pump 38 withdraws liquid from the space 34 and eventually imparts a strong `vacuum to this Space. The atmospheric pressure then prevailing in the space 33'causes the bag I2 to collapse and press against the clothes, to wring the same and expel all free water, which. drains through the openings 24, and aroundl the agitator, to the opening 25, through -the pipes `36, 31 and pump This held the 38 eventually to be discharged at 4I The operation is then repeated automatically one or more times with hot or tepid water, or cold water, to provide one or more rinses of the clothes.

A previously applied vacuum in the space 33 is automatically reduced while a vacuum is being applied to the space 34. This is accomplished by connecting the atmosphere through pipe 50, two-Way valve 41 and pipe 35 to the space 33 to reduce the previously applied vacuum while a vacuum is being applied to the space 34 through pipes 36, 49, valve 48, pipe 31 and vacuum pump 38. Conversely, a previously applied vacuum in the space 34 (applied at the end of the rst wash agitation period) is automatically reduced while a vacuum is being applied to the space 33. This is accomplished by introducing rinse water under pressure from either or both the pipes 53 and 54 into the space 34 while a vacuum is being applied to the space 33. The introduction of the rinse water into space 34 thus automatically reduces the vacuum in space 34 (which was previously applied at the end of the ilrst agitation period) while a vacuum is being applied to `the space 33. Thus a vacuum from pump 38 is selectively applied to either of the spaces 33 and 34 and means are provided selectively to reduce the vacuum in the other of said spaces while a vacuum is applied to either of said spaces.

It is to be understood that, if desired, a pump may be connected to the space 33 with both the suction and discharge connected by solenoid valves and pipes to the space 33 and to the atmosphere. The pump may be operated to impart a vacuum to space 33 While the tub is being lled with clothes and water and while the agitator oscllates. Thereafter pressure may be imparted to the space 33 by the discharge from the pump. If desired liquid in lieu of air may be so pumped to the space 33.

In the modification shown in Fig. 2, a tub 18, is provided with an agitator 1I, substantially as in Fig. 1. However, in this case the tub 18 is provided with an opening I3 which is outwardly flanged as indicated. A cover 14 is hinged at 15. It carries-a ilexible sheeting bag 1B, which is vulcanized or otherwise secured to the iiange 11 of the cover 14. Tension springs 18 are provided to maintain the bag 16 upwardly while agitation is taking place. An opening 19 is provided to maintain atmospheric pressure within the space 80. A pipe. 8l is connected to a vacuum pump 82, which discharges through pipe 83. The opening 84 is provided in the tub 'I8 for the breaking of the vacuum in space 85. The opening 84 is covered by a hinged cover 88 which may be opened by pulling the handle 81. It is to be understood that the transmission 12, pump 82, and the pipe 8I may be connected to structures similar to those disclosed in Fig. 1, and that the same may be controlled by a timer. On the other hand, the transmission 12 and pump 82 may be driven from a single motor by any form of transmission which is capable of selectively operating the transmission 12 and pump 82.

In the operation of the device shown in Fig. 2, the cover 14 is lifted by the handle 81 and clothes and water are placed in the space 85, together with detergent. The cover 81 is then lowered in place,` and the transmission 12 is operated to cause oscillation of the agitator 1I. Thereafter the agitator is stopped, and the vacuum pump 82 is started. The liquid is then withdrawn from the space 85, draining if necessary, through openings 88 in the agitator 1I`.- After a certain length of time, a vacuum is produced in space 85 of sufcient intensity to cause downward movement of the bag 16 in response to atmospheric pressure in space 88. This wrings the clothes and causes the Water thus wrung from them to flow into 'the pipe 8| from whence it is discharged by the vacuum pump 82 through the pipe S3.

Instead of springs 78, the space 89 may be connected to the vacuum pump by a flexible pipe, the opening 19 being closed, in a manner similar to Fig. 1. The vacuum in space 88 is maintained while lling and washing and is broken while wringing.

In the modification shown in Fig. 3, the tub 9U is provided with an opening ange 9i, an agitator 92 and a pipe 93. The agitator 92 and pipe 93 are to be connected to a transmission and vacuum pump substantially the same as in Fig. 1 or 2. A ring 94 carries a flexible sheeting bag 95, the periphery of which is adapted to cooperate with the flange 9|. A vacuum breaking opening 96 is provided, which is opened and closed by the cover 91, hinged at 98. In the operation of this modification, the ring 94 and bag 95 are removed from the opening 9 I. Clothes, water and detergent are placed in the space 99. The ring 94 and bag 95 are placed on the opening 9| The agitator 12 is then operated for a desired length of time after which it is stopped. Thereafter a vacuum is applied at pipe 93. This withdraws the liquid in space 99 and thereafter causes a downward extension of the bag 95 against the clothes in the space 99 to wring them and remove the moisture therefrom.

In the modification shown in Fig. 4, the elements indicated by 99a through 99a are substantially identical with those shown in Fig. 3, with the exception that the agitator 92a is provided with an upwardly extended perforated post |00. The bag 95a is provided with an upstanding recess IDI which telescopes over the post 189, when the vacuum is applied, thus protecting the bag 95a against undue stretching when it impinges on the post |80. The operation of this modification is otherwise the same as described with regard .to Fig. 3.

While the form of embodiment of the invention as herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, as may come within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In a washing machine, a substantially solid tub having an opening for introduction of articles to be washed, exible sheeting in said tub having an opening adjacent said rst named opening, cover means for said openings, agitating means for said articles to be washed, driving means for said agitating means, vacuum producing means, valve means selectively to connect the space between said sheeting and tub and the space within said sheeting to said vacuum producing means, said valve means including means to break the vacuum in the space between said sheeting and tub when a vacuum is applied to the space within said sheeting, and a timer controlling the operation of said driving means and valve means.

2. In a washing machine, a substantially solid tub having an opening for introduction of articles to be washed, flexible sheeting in said tub having an opening adjacent said first named opening, cover means for said openings, agitating means for said articles to be washed, driving means for said agitating means, a vacuum pump, connecting means from said pump to the space between said tub and sheeting, connecting means from said pump to the space within said sheeting, valve means selectively to apply a vacuum from said pump through said connecting means to said space between said tub and sheeting and to said space within said sheeting, means to break the vacuum in the space between the tub and sheeting when a vacuum is applied to the space within said sheeting and a timer controlling the operation of said pump and valve means.

3. In a washing machine, a substantially solid tub having an opening for introduction of articles to be washed, flexible sheeting in said tub having an opening adjacent said rst named opening, cover means for said openings, agitating means for said articles to be washed, driving means for said agitating means, a vacuum pump, connecting means from said pump to the space between said tub and sheeting, connecting means from said pump to the space within said sheeting, water supply connecting means connectible to a source of water supply to the space within said sheeting, valve means selectively to apply a vacuum from said pump through said connecting means to said space between said tub and sheeting and to said space within said sheeting, means to break the vacuum in the space between the tub and sheeting when a vacuum is applied to the space within said sheeting valve means controlling said water supply connecting means, and a timer controlling the operation of said pump and valve means.

4. In a washing machine, a substantially solid tub having an opening for introduction of articles to be washed, a flexible sheeting bag in said tub having an opening adjacent said first named opening, cover means for said openings, an agitator in said bag, a vacuum pump, means selectively to connect said pump to the space between said tub and bag and to the space within said bag, and means selectively to apply a vacuum from said pump to either of said spaces, means selectively to reduce the vacuum in the other said spaces while a vacuum from said pump is applied to either of said spaces.

5. In a washing machine, a substantially solid tub having an opening for introduction of articles to be washed, a flexible sheeting bag in said tub having an opening adjacent said first named opening, cover means for said openings, an agitator in said bag, a vacuum pump, connections from said pump to the space between said tub and bag and to the space within said bag and from a source of water supply to the space within said bag, valves in said connections selectively to apply a vacuum from said pump to either of said spaces, means selectively to reduce the vacuum in the other said spaces while a vacuum from said pump is applied to either of said spaces, a motor drivingly connected to said vacuum pump and agitator, and a timer controlling the operation of said motor and valves.

ROBERT R. CANDOR.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,099,365 Kemper Nov. 16, 1937 2,178,385 Alward Oct. 31, 1939 2,449,634 Baade Sept. 21, 1948 2,472,682 Rand June 7, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 341,740 Great Britain Jan. 22, 1931 

